oakridger

When I sit by myself in the MDR I people watch a little and I bring a book or Kindle to read. I have learned that very few people are really interested in looking at me, they are busy with their own dinner and companions! I love cruising solo and I have also met some really interesting and fun people on board. ~Nancy

That's a really nice one in Australia Roy!

If you know you will be getting drinks at HMC, that is a good price, I think. Budweiser - 4 x $7.50 = $30 + 18% = $35.40 Wine (glass) - 3 x $9.00 = $27.00 + 18% = $31.86 Margarita Cuervo/Mojito - 3 x $9.75 = $29.25 + 18% = $34.52

I got my boarding time for my September 25th cruise on September 11th. Two weeks before sailing. ~Nancy

I'm glad that's all behind you and you can start to relax for your cruise. I appreciate this info in case I get the email. I sure hope not! Bon Voyage! ~Nancy

@cowmilkerThank you for the follow up information on the OnPoint testing. I'll be using it in Vancouver on Friday. Oh, geez, that's not good that David had to do the random testing!!! Where did he have to go for the test? ~Nancy

Are you sure you put Covid TEST results in ArriveCAN? My ArriveCAN only asks for vaccination records. ~Nancy

I agree about the lack of a balcony cabin on Zaandam. Veranda and Signature Suites are my go to cabins on HAL and Zaandam has neither. To me the Vista cabins are too expensive compared to a regular Verandah cabin. The cabins are the main reason I haven't booked on her. I would like to do the extended Mexican Riviera cruise that includes La Paz, etc. if it was offered on other ships. I would like the Vista Class ships for that itinerary. (Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam or Westerdam) ~Nancy

@CruiserBruce what do you mean by "limited" on the room service menu for debarkation day? I, too, have read here that it wasn't available for some people. I would be very happy to hear that it is available on all ships again! Thanks, ~Nancy

Hi Clay. Here is a thread with a bunch of first hand experience with the online proctoring. I will be using On Point next week for my pre Alaska test. ~Nancy

It doesn't make a difference, I'm just a curious type, particularly when it's about something that does not make sense to me!

I'm happy for you being in a Signature Suite for the World Voyage! Those are my favorite cabins on HAL. You have had Ocean View cabins in the past on your World trips (at least since I have been reading your blogs). I'm just curious why you decided to switch to a Signature Suite this time? It's amazing how those "back ordered" HAL bags showed up the next day in your cabin!!! Quick delivery!! 😉 ~Nancy

Did any of the crew you talked to tell you why this was being tested? Had their bosses explained the "thinking" behind the added paper and effort to each transaction? If no official reason for the test, did the crew have any speculation on why? Reviving this old and annoying practice doesn't make any sense to me!! Thanks, ~Nancy

See post #2 link for lists. All of yours are there and less than $11, so on the HIA! As for availability, I guess you'll find out tomorrow. 😁 Bon Voyage! ~Nancy

I have never seen garden sculptures so detailed and wonderful! I had not heard of this garden before and whenever I get to Quebec, if the exhibit returns, I will definitely seek it out! Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures! ~Nancy

True the bar staff are not part of the main "Crew Incentive" pool, but they are all part of the automatic 18% tip pool from each drink/bottle of wine (as @CruiserBrucesaid). I personally think that is sufficient tip for them to hand me my bottle of beer or pour that glass of wine! The question about going "above and beyond" comes into play for me because I do spend time at a couple of the bars each day, either socializing at the bar or at a table reading and sipping my drink during the day. The servers at the bar or doing table service get to know me and provide some extra touches of conversation or drink suggestions or bringing extra snacks they know I like, etc. For that I give them extra at the end of the cruise for making me feel like a person and not just a number. It makes my cruise a little more enjoyable. 🙂 HAL, please, do not bring back signing chits for drinks!!! ~Nancy

@martincath you have the patience of a saint!!! Thank you for this detailed ArriveCAN explanation and all the great information you have been giving here on Cruise Critic for years! ~Nancy

I tip favorite bartenders/servers only at the end of my cruises and get the same fantastic service that other people who tip up front receive! I know this from people watching at the bars. 😁

Others here have reported that the HIA cost is credited to the Mariner point spending. I don't have personal experience yet. All pre cruise purchases do count toward Mariner point spending credits. (Dining, beverages, gifts, excursions, etc.) Don't forget HIA includes Surf Wi-Fi also. Does the one you are looking at also include Crew Appreciation? Two of my future ones include Crew Appreciation and two don't. Booked at different times. ~Nancy

Especially on a ship with the vacuum toilet the lid should be shut when flushing! That said, I have been drinking water from the tap in cruise ship bathrooms for 40 years and I'm still kickin' !! 😁

Welcome to Cruise Critic @Annjem!! Add up the cost of all the individual items you would want to purchase....drinks package, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty restaurants, excursions. Compare the difference of what's included in the HIA and the private sale fares. There is your answer! When I got HIA, the difference between basic fare and HIA was only $45/day so for me it was HIA! The drink package (which I wanted) alone is $53.07/day. ~Nancy

I just checked online and Wycliff "Champagne" can be purchased here in California at Total Wine for $4.49 plus tax! I probably wouldn't even use it in a mimosa, but someone must be buying it! I actually prefer my mimosas without orange juice!! OJ on the side please. 😁 ~Nancy

I used a TA and was able to book the HIA dining and excursions on the website under 'Manage my Booking" ~Nancy

Please check what I wrote above. Canadians only need one ArriveCAN because they are already in Canada. US and other countries citizens need two ArriveCAN submissions - one submission for flying/driving/walking into Canada and one before boarding the ship in Canada. (Ship stops at Canadian ports before leaving country) Everyone still needs a covid test before boarding a cruise ship per Canada regulations. Also see post #69 from @econprofessor where they needed two coming from the US. If anyone thinks I have it wrong, please let me know why because I've gone over the regulations with a fine-tooth comb!! Edited to add- I see now what the difference is, The Canada NE cruises don't go to US then reenter Canada! Alaska cruises do! Is that it? If so, Alaska cruises still need 2 submissions. Gaakkkk! My brain hurts! Thanks, ~Nancy

This is what I read for ArriveCAN...August 18, 2022 update. I read it as needing a second submission: (my highlighting) COVID-19: Cruise ship travel requirements – Travel.gc.ca "Entering Canada by land or air before embarking on a cruise You must complete your ArriveCAN submission before entering Canada, no more than 72 hours of boarding your flight or before entering Canada by land. If you’re flying in to join a cruise immediately, enter the address of your terminal. If you’re not joining the cruise immediately, enter the address of your hotel. You must also submit a second ArriveCAN submission no more than 72 hours before boarding the cruise. This applies even if your second ArriveCAN submission is within 72 hours of the first submission.:" By my understanding, it clearly says a second submission if you are arriving from outside Canada to cruise. Canadians would only need one submission 72 hours or less before embarkation.